The Cubs will likely go with a combination of Tony Campana, Reed Johnson and Joe Mather in center field for the time being, and then possibly call up Brett Jackson later this year.

I’ll have thoughts on the Marlon Byrd Era later, but the short of it is: super great guy, solid teammate, decent player for half his time here, and parts of his game will be missed. But he was out the door at some point this year anyway, so, although his value probably has never been lower, now’s as good a time as any other to pull the trigger. A few hot weeks weren’t really going to reclaim any value.

UPDATE: WEEI’s Alex Speier says the Cubs are getting reliever Michael Bowden, as I guessed earlier, plus a player to be named later (insert Theo compensation joke here). The Cubs are reportedly paying most of Byrd’s remaining salary, which could be reasonable, depending on the PTBNL, and the definition of the word “most.”

Alex Speier says that it’s Michael Bowden and a PTBNL, with the Cubs picking up “nearly all” of his salary.

Juan

Over on mlbtraderumors.com The Cubs will receive Michael Bowden and a player to be named later in exchange for Byrd while covering most of his $6.5MM salary

wingit

How about Soto to the Rays now….Clevenger should be playing more. Bring Wellington up and you can have a plattoon situation behind the plate. Clevinger against righties and Castillo against lefties.

ty

I was at Fitch field in early Feb. on Marlon first day–he walked past me and with a big grin stated, ” I am new. Where do I go? I pointed to field 4. This wonderful guy treated kids and elderly women with autographs and such respect–everyday the same. Also Brett Jackson will someday tell all how Marlon took him under his wing as a rookie to Fitch and HoHoKam and conversed with on how to be a mlb player. He called him rook but he helped Brett become very comfortable. He was not fake–he was the real deal. Good luck Marlon.

Rooster

Au revior Byrd. One down and many to go…Sorry, Dempster, Soto all have to leave. Dempy can resign here if he wishes as he’s a FA after this year.

Kyle

I can live with that. Bowden is something tangible.

nkniacc13

I hed hoped the Cubs have him in AAA to start with before bringing him to Chicago but because he’s out of options he has to go to 25 man roster. So what move do the Cubs make now?

hawkcub

Kind of surprised Boston wanted to deal with us. But anyways I always like Bryd but everyone knew he was going to get moved eventually.

nkniacc13

I wonder who the PTBN will be?

Josh Z

Marlon Byrd is the type of player you love to have on your team. He plays his best every game and he is willing to help the younger players take his job. I wish there were more guys like him in baseball. With all that being said, I am still glad to see him go. He just wasn’t producing and he deserves to be on a better team right now. Cubs opened up a spot for Jackson in the future and added another arm to the bullpen. I say this is a win for both sides and I wish Byrd the best in Boston

North Side Irish

Do we know when the deadline is for the Player to Be Named? Do we know when that deadline will be moved back to?

nkniacc13

no. untill the boston game is final nothing has been announced

wingit

Yeah, we’re getting Chris Carpenter back…

Joe

LOL

wingit

And Larry Lucchino is coming over to be Theo’s, Tom’s and Jed’s executive assistant.

wingit

For those of you not in the business world these days…that’s the new term for secretary

Joe

I loved Marlon so much last year. I truly truly hope he reclaims his glory (relatively speaking) in Boston. May the Byrd once more be the wyrd!

nkniacc13

To bad the Cubs don’t have anyone that boston would take in the bullpen. I think they have some of the same issues the Cubs up 7-0 at one point now 9-8 boston in the 7th

FromFenwayPahk

I don’t know Byrd yet, except through you guys. But, looking at his numbers especially since last year, I can feel some kinship with Tony Conigliaro. Other than the horrible luck, which no man has control over, that feeling is a good thing. Maybe this trade is a good thing for everyone.

I need to think about it some more, but right now I’m watching the (Red Sox) bullpen trash a fantastic lead in an ancient ballpark. Cubs and Red Sox. What the hell was I thinking?

nkniacc13

I hope this deal works out for both teams

Cub Gone Wild

A good day in the 2012 season. Hoping for a few more

Carmelo

Bowden has to be put on our 25 man roster—cut ties with our rule 5 guy. He’s nothing special, certaining not worth a spot on the 25, plus we would get $25,000 back from Phil. by returning him.

FiveFifty550

I wish Marlon Byrd the best. For the most part, he did a solid job for us.

ty

Philip Humber of White Sox threw perfect game today! I coached a fall ball team against him in Cartage Texas many yrs ago. He was a man among boys at that time. Struggling over all pro career–but today history making.

Njriv

According to wikipedia, Phil Humber pitches for the Cubs

JustSwain

Thats legally binding right? I’d take him.

Njriv

Is that Soto for Wade Davis offer still available?

necusfan

Best to Byrd. His work ethic should win over the Fenway faithful. Hopefully being in a better lineup will help his offense(certainly can’t make it worse). Sox just blew a 9 run lead as I write this. Ball misplayed by the CF.

Brian

Best to Marlon Byrd. Fantastic work ethic. Now, I would love to see Soto sent out as well. I think I’ve reached the point where I am fully in favor of the rebuild and ready to embrace it completely by seeing what our prospects can do NOW. Jackson later in the year and Castillo/Clevenger platoon as someone mentioned above.

EvenBetterNews

With the changes in the draft, is it possible the PTBN will come from the draft? Since they have to sign by July starting this year, is that a possibility? I would think they would have a range of players in mind, but you never know.

nkniacc13

No because the players drafted last year could be traded by now. Id guess its a player on a DL

North Side Irish

I’ve seen Andrew Miller mentioned a couple places and he is currently on the DL. That would also fit with what Levine Tweeted earlier about the Cubs getting a LH reliever in the deal.

That would at least make two interesting lottery tickets for a player the Cubs didn’t plan on keeping.

nkniacc13

And another player that the Cubs would have to find a place on the 25/40 rosters

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